Specialist, Fly, Bait Hooks & Dead Bait Tackle

Specialist Fly, Bait Hooks & Dead Bait Tackle

Sharnbrook Tackle has been supplying anglers since the 1970s, when founder David Watts — then serving in the military — began sharing his love of fishing with fellow service personnel during their downtime. That same passion for getting the details right shapes every stocking decision we make today.

Here's a truth every seasoned angler learns eventually: your hook is the single point of contact between you and the fish. You can have the finest rod, the smoothest reel, and the most tempting bait in the world — but if your hook lets you down at the crucial moment, none of it matters. That's exactly why this collection exists.

We don't stock hooks and specialist tackle simply to fill a shelf. Every item in this range has earned its place because it performs where it counts — on the strike, through the fight, and when a good fish is doing its level best to throw the hook. Whether you're chasing wary trout on the fly, presenting a delicate bait to specimen fish, or rigging a dead bait for pike, there's something here built for the job.

A hook and rig for every specialist approach

Fly hooks

Fly fishing lives and dies on the quality of the hook beneath the dressing. A good fly hook needs a needle-sharp point, a strong yet fine wire, and a shape that holds a hooked fish without tearing free. Our fly hook selection covers the essentials for tying and fishing your own patterns — from dry fly hooks with a fine, light wire that helps a fly sit naturally on the surface, through to heavier wet fly and nymph hooks that get your pattern down to where the fish are feeding.

Whether you tie your own flies at the vice or simply want reliable hooks for repairs and re-dressing, these are the patterns that keep working season after season. Match the hook size to your fly and your quarry, and you'll have a presentation that both looks the part and holds firm when a trout finally commits.

Bait hooks

The humble bait hook does more heavy lifting than any other item in your box. Get the pattern, size, and wire gauge right, and you present your bait naturally while giving yourself the best possible chance of a solid hook-hold. Our bait hook range covers the styles that matter most — from fine-wire hooks for delicate presentations to stronger forged patterns for bigger baits and harder-fighting fish.

Coarse anglers presenting maggot, worm, or bread will want a hook that sits neatly and doesn't overwhelm a small bait. Sea and specimen anglers, on the other hand, need the backbone to handle heavier baits and powerful fish. Whatever your discipline, choosing a quality bait hook is one of the simplest upgrades you can make to your fishing.

Dead bait tackle

For the predator angler, dead baiting is one of the deadliest methods going — and having the right tackle makes all the difference. Our dead bait range is built around presenting a fish bait naturally and hooking your quarry cleanly, whether you're targeting pike, zander, or other toothy predators. That means strong, sharp hooks paired with the wire and components needed to stand up to sharp teeth and determined runs.

Presenting a dead bait properly is an art in itself. The right trace protects against bite-offs, while a well-chosen hook arrangement holds the bait securely yet strikes home the moment a predator takes. Get this partnership right and you're well on your way to a memorable session.

Specialist rigs and traces

Sometimes the finished article saves you time and worry. Our specialist rigs and traces are made up and ready to fish, taking the guesswork out of getting your terminal tackle right. Purpose-built for particular species and methods, these traces combine the correct hook, wire, and components so you can spend more time fishing and less time fiddling at the bank.

For anglers who prefer to tie their own, we also stock the individual components you need to build a trace to your exact specification. Either way, you'll have a setup you can trust when a good fish comes calling.

Who is this tackle for?

The short answer? Any angler who cares about the details! But more specifically:

• Fly anglers — tying their own patterns or wanting dependable hooks for trout, grayling, and other fly-caught species.
• Coarse and specimen anglers — presenting natural baits to wary fish and wanting a hook that holds firm.
• Predator anglers — dead baiting for pike, zander, and other toothy customers who demand strong, sharp, bite-proof tackle.
• Beginners — getting properly set up from the start, rather than struggling with cheap hooks that blunt or bend at the worst moment.
• Experienced hands — who already know that a quality hook is never the place to cut corners.

Whatever your level, the right specialist tackle gives you confidence — and confidence catches fish.

Choosing the right hook or tackle

Feeling spoilt for choice? Don't worry — a few simple principles make the decision far easier.

• Match the hook size to the bait, not just the fish. A hook that's too big overwhelms a small bait and looks unnatural; one that's too small won't hold a big bait securely. Aim for a balance where the hook complements the presentation.
• Consider the wire gauge. Fine wire hooks are lighter and cause less damage to delicate baits, making them ideal for finesse presentations. Heavier forged hooks offer the strength you need for bigger fish and tougher conditions.
• Sharpness is everything. A sharp hook penetrates on the strike; a blunt one bounces out. Check your points regularly, and replace or sharpen any that have dulled against rocks, gravel, or fishy jaws.
• Use wire traces for toothy predators. Pike and zander will slice through mono in an instant. A proper wire trace is non-negotiable when dead baiting for these species — both for landing fish and for their welfare.
• Think about presentation. The best hook is the one the fish doesn't notice. Choose patterns and finishes that keep your bait looking natural and let it move freely.
• When in doubt, ask. There's no substitute for local knowledge — and we're always happy to share ours.

Follow these pointers and you'll rarely go far wrong. And if you're ever unsure, that's exactly what we're here for!

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a fly hook and a bait hook?

Fly hooks are designed specifically for tying and fishing artificial flies. They tend to have particular shank lengths, wire gauges, and eye positions suited to holding a dressing and presenting it naturally in the water. Bait hooks, by contrast, are built to hold natural baits — maggot, worm, bread, or fish — and to set cleanly when a fish takes. While there's some crossover, choosing the right type for your method makes a genuine difference to both presentation and hook-up rate.

What hooks do I need for dead baiting for pike?

Dead baiting for pike calls for strong, sharp hooks — often arranged as trebles or in a hook-and-trace combination — paired with a wire trace to prevent bite-offs. Pike have rows of sharp teeth that will slice straight through monofilament, so a wire trace is essential both for landing fish and for their welfare. Our dead bait range covers the hooks and components you need to rig up safely and effectively.

Do I need a wire trace for all predator fishing?

For pike and zander, yes — a wire trace is strongly recommended, as their teeth will cut through mono with ease. For other predators such as perch, a heavy fluorocarbon leader may suffice, though many anglers still prefer the security of a light wire trace. If in doubt, err on the side of caution: a bitten-off fish swimming away with a hook in its mouth is exactly what we all want to avoid.

How do I know if my hook is sharp enough?

A simple test is to draw the point gently across your thumbnail. A sharp hook will grip and catch slightly; a blunt one will slide straight across without biting. Check your hooks regularly throughout a session — points dull surprisingly quickly against gravel, rocks, and fishy jaws. A few seconds with a hook sharpener, or simply tying on a fresh hook, can be the difference between a landed fish and a frustrating miss.

Are these hooks suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. In fact, starting with quality hooks is one of the best things a newcomer can do. Cheap, poorly made hooks blunt easily, bend under pressure, and cost you fish — often without you realising why. A properly made hook gives you confidence that when you get everything else right, your tackle won't be the weak link. And if you're unsure which to choose, we're always happy to point you in the right direction.

Can I buy individual components to build my own rigs?

Yes! Alongside our ready-made traces, we stock the individual hooks and components you need to build rigs to your own specification. Many experienced anglers prefer to tie their own, tailoring each trace to the species, method, and conditions they're fishing. Whether you want the convenience of a finished rig or the satisfaction of building your own, we've got you covered.

Ready to sort the finer details?

Whether you're tying flies for a spring trout session, presenting delicate baits to specimen fish, or rigging up a dead bait for a winter pike, the right hooks and tackle give you the confidence to fish at your best. And confidence, as any angler will tell you, is half the battle!

Browse the full collection below, or get in touch if you'd like a recommendation based on your target species, method, and local marks. We've been helping anglers make better choices since the 1970s — and there's nothing we enjoy more than seeing you catch.